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Delhi University Launches India’s First “Carbon Garden” to Combat Urban Pollution
Delhi University has introduced the country’s first Carbon Garden to tackle rising air and soil pollution. Developed over four years, the project aims to serve as a scalable urban ecosystem model.
In a significant step toward addressing Delhi’s worsening air and soil pollution, Delhi University has unveiled India’s first “Carbon Garden” — a scientifically designed green space aimed at long-term environmental impact rather than ornamental appeal.
The initiative, led by Professor Dinabandhu Sahu, Head of the Botany Department and Chairperson of the Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, took nearly four years to develop. Spread across approximately 2,000 square feet on the university campus, the garden features 45 carefully selected plant species, including herbs, shrubs, and trees.
Unlike traditional gardens that focus on seasonal flowers, the Carbon Garden is designed for year-round ecological function. It incorporates multiple life forms such as algae, fungi, bacteria, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, creating a compact yet diverse urban ecosystem. The plants actively absorb carbon dioxide, store carbon stock, and support microorganisms that help reduce harmful gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide.
The garden primarily features native species adapted to different environmental conditions — hydrophytes, xerophytes, and mesophytes — ensuring sustainability. One notable addition is the Kandamba tree, brought from Bhubaneswar, which could potentially serve as a natural green barrier if replicated along Delhi’s borders.
With global air pollution linked to over 7 million deaths annually — and significant health impacts reported in Delhi — the Carbon Garden aims to offer a practical, scalable solution. Beyond environmental benefits, the project also highlights potential mental health improvements and reduced long-term healthcare costs through increased green cover.
Professor Sahu suggests that if similar compact carbon gardens are introduced in schools, colleges, residential complexes, and office campuses, they could collectively transform urban environmental health. The initiative stands as both a scientific innovation and a model for sustainable city planning.
